Buying ski touring pants

I am looking to buy a pair of ski touring pants for avi training and touring in Jackson Hole. Since I live in the Midwest, I will also use these for XC skiing and resort skiing (layering underneath). I have looked at various hard and soft shell pants (i.e., snowtastic, snow tour, furio, Valhalla, various Arcteryx pants). However, I found a Nike ACG Goretex pant on ebay for very reasonable price ($100). I cannot find much information on these pants.

What are your thoughts? Do people have experience with Nike ACG or other recommended pants?

BTW, the Gamma MX is a bit heavier than the Gamma AR, which is heavier than the Gamma LT. A pant LIKE the MX (other companies make great pants) can be used for the vast majority of backcountry touring/skiing conditions, although I usually throw a lightweight pair of Gore Tex pants in my pack for a potential problem where I might have to be less active or the weather turns really bad. Having said that, I've worn the MX in in some rather windy and cold BC conditions without issue (using proper base layers) and the extra Gore Tex pants are rarely used. I also occasionally use the MX for X-country skiing, but usually wear something lighter, particularly when it's not that cold (e.g. down to -10 c (14 f )). However, lighter weight pants typically don't work as well four BC touring/skiing, and not at all for DH skiing.

I've used the MX pant for DH skiing, but they don't work as well as nylon/Gore Tex or other dedicated DH pant. Not quite as snug and warm, especially on the lift.

I don't think that your going to find a single pant that can do X-country, BC touring/skiing and DH skiing. There will be a substantial trade-off, depending on the venue. Gore Tex will be too hot and not breathable enough for XC and BC skiing. Heavier knit fabrics (like that used in the Gamma MX will work well for XC and BC, but not as well for DH.

Personally, I'd avoid buying a pant off EBAY I had not already tried on the size and model before.

would the Mountain hardwear returnia pant be an in-between that could work?

Short answer: maybe.

Long answer: Looks like the returnia is made with Dry-Q 2-layer. IIRC, Dry-Q is Mtn Hardwear's version of eVent. Very breathable for a membrane, but possibly not as breathable as 3-layer, or soft shell, but could still be just the ticket with some good venting options.

IME 2-layer garments run a little warmer than 3-layer, due to the hung lining, even if it's mesh. 3-layer has the lining, membrane, and outer fabric all laminated together, which in theory anyway provides better breatheability, but maybe not as warm feeling as 2-layer.

2-layer or 3-layer hard-shell are IMO best suited for lift-served, but can work well for touring, provided you stay ahead of moisture build-up on the inside by venting during high aerobic activity. Soft-shell should have better breatheability directly through the fabric (provided there's no membrane sandwiched in there), but might not keep you as dry during a storm, riding lifts during a storm, etc., if they're relying entirely on DWR for water repellency.

I know a lot of people who primarily tour like soft-shell. I am mostly a resort skier these days, but have always preferred a gortex hard-shell layer, both upper and lower even when I was touring a lot. I pretty much only use one set of shells and hate getting wet or cold. I have never had a soft-shell that I liked very much. I feel like with a good venting system I can lose the extra heat.

When are you coming and who are you doing the training with? There are a lot of good training vendors in the area and you will have a great experience!

we are heading there from March 12-20 and using Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. We would have preferred to go earlier in the winter but schedules would not allow. We also plan to ski jackson hole and grand targhee.

we are heading there from March 12-20 and using Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. We would have preferred to go earlier in the winter but schedules would not allow. We also plan to ski jackson hole and grand targhee

That should be a great 3 day course. Maybe you will do some touring in Teton Pass or GTNP after. You might enjoy renting a Yurt for a night or two.

Gortex / eVent shell and layer according to conditions. My Mont Syncro shell pants have toured in Oz and survived ski mountaineering in NZ without an issue. And when you are 3,000 metres up a mountain and the next helicopter out is a week away, you don't want anything to fail.